Of Bugs, Butterflies And Birds

When we go traveling around Ho, we are always amazed at the diversity of the creation, especially the Bugs, Butterflies and Birds.  Yet we have only seen a small portion of those that exist here and would like to share some we have seen with you.

BUGS

 

 Praying Mantis

Elder Lyon was praying this mantis would not attack his hand, that's why he gets no closer, but it gives a good idea of the size of this "bug".

 Giant Millipede

We see this "bug" often when we are on our morning walks and it gives Sister Lyon the shivers every time she sees one, especially when Elder Lyon yells, "watch out".

 Red Beetles

These "bugs" came out early this spring and when we saw them, they were mostly in groups like this.

 

 Army Ants

These ants are always on the move.  Going back and forth they have made a groove in the ground.  The ants on the outside stay still, like they're acting guard, while the ones in the middle move both directions.  We saw these ants on the way to Wli Falls and the guide told us they can even bring down an elephant, if they get in their ears.

 

 ? ? ?

We have no idea what these "bugs" are.  When the first rain of the season came, we went out on our front porch and there were hundreds of them lying there.  They sort of looked like flying ants.  It has happened several times since the beginning of the rainy season.  Yuck.

BUTTERFLIES

There are over 860 species of butterflies, with 23 of them being unique to Ghana. We aren't even going to try to put a name to each one.  So, just enjoy their beauty.

 So far we have about 80 different butterflies photographed.  Seriously doubt if we'll get all 860 before we go home, but we'll "keep trying, keep trying, don't give up, don't give up".

BIRDS 

There are about 750 different kinds of birds in Ghana.  We have yet to see that many but we hear them all the time.  The trees are so high and the foliage so thick, they are very difficult to find.

 

 Woodland Kingfisher

This was taken on a wire in our front yard.  It was our first African find of an unusual bird.

 Blue Bellied Roller

Also taken on a wire in our front yard.  When they fly their wings are a bright turquoise.

 Berchell's Coucal

We like to call this one the "Curly" bird because it's call sounds like Curly of the Three Stooges.

 Laughing Dove

If you hear it's call, you'll know why it was so named.

 Sorry, Sorry, Sorry

We tried to find the name of this bird, but couldn't.  If anyone has any ideas please let us know, that is if anyone even reads our blog.

 Pied Crow

We see a lot of these birds as we're traveling.  They tend to hang out on the road looking for something good to eat, and fly off as we approach.  They remind us of the magpies in the U.S.

 Cattle Egret

So named because when we see herds of cattle, we usually see flocks of these around.

White Hooded Vulture?

Not sure it's the right name for this bird, but they are all over and especially love the garbage dumps.

We're grateful that Heavenly Father created such a large number and different kinds of creatures for us to see and appreciate.  We have posted just a small, small portion of those that live here in Ghana.  We will continue to look for and take delight in each new discovery.  We hope you enjoyed our

"Of Bugs, Butterflies and Birds"